Recent research in Southwest Florida has revealed that Burmese pythons possess even more remarkable feeding capabilities than scientists previously understood. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s study found that these invasive snakes can open their jaws about two inches wider than earlier observations suggested, enabling them to consume surprisingly large animals.

The breakthrough came when researchers documented a python consuming a white-tailed deer weighing 77 pounds—remarkably, the deer’s mass was nearly two-thirds greater than the snake itself. The team measured the jaw capabilities of three adult female pythons to confirm this finding.

“This is far from a small wildlife issue—it’s a defining challenge for the Greater Everglades ecosystem,” emphasized Ian Bartoszek, a biologist conducting the research. “Witnessing an invasive apex predator devour a full-sized deer is an unforgettable sight.”

The snakes’ extraordinary feeding ability stems from their unique anatomy—their lower jawbones aren’t fused, allowing for extreme stretching. This adaptation enables them to consume prey up to six times larger than what similar-sized snakes can handle. The Conservancy noted that these pythons are “overachievers,” pushing the very limits of their anatomical capabilities rather than settling for smaller prey.

This feeding capability has had devastating effects on local wildlife. The Everglades has seen significant declines in native species including bobcats, deer, raccoons, rabbits, and foxes. The pythons’ success is partly due to their lack of natural predators in the region.

Unprecedented Discovery: Burmese Pythons Taking Down Larger Prey in Florida

The invasion’s timeline traces back to 1979 when the first Burmese python was spotted in the Everglades. The population exploded during the 1990s, and by 2013, estimates suggested between 30,000 and 150,000 pythons inhabited South Florida—a number that has likely grown since then.

The Conservancy’s python research and removal team has made progress, eliminating at least 770 adult pythons from South Florida’s ecosystems. However, as Bartoszek warns, “These snakes continue to surprise us each season. If there’s one lesson we’ve learned, it’s to never underestimate the Burmese python.”

The team hopes these new insights will help inform more effective control measures as local authorities and scientists work to manage this invasive species.

(Image credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida)